Free Pre School To Go Ahead

The Government is insisting that the new free pre-school year will be implemented despite financial cutbacks.

The scheme is expected to benefit around 70,000 children a year who are aged between three years and three months and four years six months.

From early October, local childcare committees will provide parents with details on what pre-schools are taking part in the scheme.

Minister for Children Barry Andrews said that the scheme is designed to replace the childcare supplement that was removed in last year’s Budget.

"In removing the early childcare supplement we decided to direct funding at the childcare sector in response to providers of childcare facilities saying they were going to go out of business because of changes in the labour market."

Some preschool services have warned they may be forced out of business if they sign up for the scheme as it will cap the fees they charge at €64.50 per week.

Minister Andrews also said the programme will give a much-needed boost to the development of children of all social backgrounds.